Ultmate Guide to Bed Bugs in Australia: What You Must Know in 2025

AUG 05, 2025

1299 views , 6 mins read

The thought of sharing your home with tiny, blood-sucking pests is enough to make anyone's skin crawl. In Australia, bed bugs Infestations have surged by over 4,500% since the late '90s, creeping into homes, hotels, and public spaces. Once thought to be a pest of the past, these resilient insects have resurged, creating a major headache for homeowners, travelers, and accommodation providers alike.

What’s causing this resurgence, and how widespread is the problem? Whether you're worried about an bed bugs Australia infestation or just curious, this guide will answer your questions, including inspect for, eliminate, and prevent an infestation in your home.

In this article

1. Are Bed Bugs Common in Australia? What Do Bed Bugs Look Like in Australia? 2. Why Are Bed Bugs Back? How to Check for Bed Bugs? 3. How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs? 4. How to Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation? 5. FAQs about Bed Bugs Australia

Are Bed Bugs Common in Australia? What Do Bed Bugs Look Like in Australia?

Bed bugs are a relatively common pest across Australia, particularly in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. A fact that surprises many who thought they were a relic of a bygone era. Their resurgence has been well-documented, with a significant increase in infestations noted since the late 1990s.

Australia's warmer climate, particularly in the northern regions, makes it a hospitable environment for not only the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) but also the tropical bed bug (Cimex hemipterus). Both species are well-adapted to living in close proximity to humans, which is why they are a growing concern in residential homes, hotels, backpacker lodges, and other public accommodations.

Understanding what a bed bug looks like is the first and most critical step in confirming an infestation. Without proper identification, you might mistake their bites or presence for other pests, delaying the necessary action.

Adult Bed Bugs:

Size: An adult bed bug is about the size and shape of an apple seed, typically 4-5mm long.
Color: Their body is a light, reddish-brown. After feeding on blood, they become engorged and appear darker red, more elongated, and balloon-like.
Shape: They have a distinct flat, oval-shaped body, which allows them to hide in the tiniest of cracks and crevices.
Other Features: They have six legs, long antennae, and a "beak" with three segments, which they use to pierce the skin. A key identifier is that they are wingless and cannot fly.

Young Bed Bugs (Nymphs):

Size: Bed bugs start as tiny nymphs, which are much smaller than adults. They go through five developmental stages, or instars, and grow larger with each blood meal.
Color: Nymphs are translucent or yellowish-white, making them very difficult to see with the naked eye, especially if they haven't fed recently.

Bed Bug Eggs:

Size: Bed bug eggs are minuscule, about the size of a pinhead (1mm).
Appearance: They are pearl-white in color and are often found in clusters in hidden locations. If an egg is more than five days old, you may see a tiny, dark "eye spot."

Bed bugs also produce a distinct, musty-sweet odor from their glands. This smell can be noticeable in heavy infestations.

Why Are Bed Bugs Back? How to Check for Bed Bugs?

The resurgence of bed bugs in Australia can be attributed to several factors, including increased international travel and the use of second-hand furniture. Bed bugs can hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, or other personal items, making it easy for them to spread from one place to another. Poor sanitation, densely populated living spaces, and the rise of shared accommodations have also contributed to their comeback.

How to Check for Bed Bugs?

Inspect Bedding: Check for small blood stains, dark brown or black spots (which are bed bug excrement), or the bugs themselves on your sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses.
Examine Crevices: Look for bed bugs in cracks along walls, behind baseboards, electrical outlets, and around furniture legs.
Use a Flashlight: Bed bugs are tiny and often hide in the darkest places, so using a flashlight is essential when inspecting furniture and other potential hiding spots.
Smell the Area: As mentioned, a musty or sweet odor can indicate an infestation, especially if it's strong or persistent.
Itchy, Red Bed Bugs Bites: Bed bugs are blood-sucking parasites that cause itchy, red, and inflamed bites, typically appearing in groups or rows on your skin. Though the bites may not be painful initially, the itching can interfere with your sleep.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

1. Wash, Dry, and Steam

Start by washing and drying all bedding and clothing on the highest heat setting (above 45°C) . Bed bugs can't survive extreme temperatures, so this is a crucial first step. If possible, steam your mattress to target any hidden bugs. Tropical bed bugs are more heat-tolerant, so ensure thorough treatment.

Steps to follow:

Remove all bedding, clothing, and fabric items, and place them in the wash.
Set your washing machine and dryer to the highest heat setting.
Use a steamer on your mattress, ensuring you cover every corner thoroughly.

Tips

If you want to know the detailed step-by-step guide on how to get rid of bed bugs, check out this article: How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs From Bed Mattress [Effective Guide].

2. Apply Bed Bug Spray

A bed bug spray can help kill any remaining bed bugs on contact and act as a barrier against reinfestation. Choose a product specifically designed to target bed bugs, and follow the instructions carefully.

How to apply the spray:

Step 1: Identify common hiding places such as mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, and furniture.
Step 2: Apply the spray to these areas, paying extra attention to cracks and crevices.
Step 3: Allow the treated areas to dry before reintroducing bedding or furniture.

3 Consider Replacing Your Mattress (If Necessary)

If the infestation is severe and bed bugs have infiltrated deep within your mattress, it may be time to replace it. Bed bugs can hide inside the layers of a mattress, making it difficult to fully eradicate them.

If you do decide to replace your mattress:

Step 1: Seal the mattress in a heavy-duty plastic bag before removing it from your home.
Step 2: Label the mattress as infested to prevent others from taking it.
Step 3: Dispose of it following your local waste management guidelines.

4 Seal Cracks and Crevices

Bed bugs can hide in tiny cracks and crevices around your home. Sealing these gaps can help prevent reinfestation:

Step 1: Inspect the walls, baseboards, and window frames for any cracks or holes.
Step 2: Use caulk or another sealant to close these gaps.
Step 3: Ensure that any furniture that comes into contact with the walls is treated as well.

5. Call a Professional Pest Control Service

In cases of severe infestations, DIY methods may not be enough. Professional pest control companies have the expertise and equipment to eliminate bed bugs more effectively. They can use targeted insecticides, heat treatments, or fumigation to treat the problem.

How to Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation?

After eliminating the bed bugs, take steps to prevent future infestations:

Inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it into your home.
Use bed bug-proof mattress protector to prevent new infestations.
Be cautious when traveling: Check hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before unpacking your luggage.
Regularly vacuum and inspect your home, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

FAQs about Bed Bugs Australia

Do bed bugs transmit diseases?

No. In Australia, bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. While their bites can cause irritation and allergic reactions, they do not pose a public health threat in the same way as mosquitoes or ticks.

Can bed bugs live in your hair?

No, bed bugs do not live in your hair. They prefer hiding in cracks and crevices close to where you sleep, such as mattresses, furniture, or baseboards. They feed on exposed skin while you're resting but don’t infest hair like lice or fleas.

Can bed bugs fly?

No, bed bugs cannot fly. They are wingless insects that rely on crawling to move around. They can travel short distances, often hitching rides on clothing, luggage, or furniture.

What attracts bed bugs?

Bed bugs are attracted to warmth, carbon dioxide, and the scent of human sweat and body odor. They are drawn to areas where people sleep, as they feed on blood during the night.

Botton Lines

Dealing with bed bugs in Australia can be a real headache, but you've got this! By learning to spot these tiny pests and understanding their habits, you're already one step ahead. A careful inspection followed by a solid plan is the key to getting your home back to normal.

To help keep your bed bug-free, consider adding a Newentor Bed Bug Proof Mattress Protector to your mattress. It's a simple and effective way to create a clean, safe, and worry-free sleep environment.

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